Welcome to the Why Learn Welsh website.

What we do

This website aims to help people understand the importance of the Welsh Language and Culture to the future of Wales.

It contains a wide range of information and guidance to help you make an informed choice about the advantages of learning Welsh, taking your qualification in Welsh and enables you to access a wide range of resources to develop your Welsh Language skills.

ADVANTAGES OF BEING BILINGUAL

Thousands of adults are now learning Welsh – but why?

1. Over 582,000 people in Wales speak Welsh - Over a million who understand, not to mention those who live and speak Welsh outside Wales.

2. Stand out from the crowd - Being able to use Welsh could make your CV stand out! Many companies operate through the medium of Welsh. Some companies ONLY recruit Welsh speakers. North Wales police have ONLY 4% of staff with no Welsh language skills.

3. It’s growing - All children in schools in Wales either speak or learn Welsh so it is going to be a language of the future.

4. It’s in demand - All public sector organisations in Wales are legally bound to provide services in both Welsh and English and many private companies do so because it's good for business. This makes Welsh-speaking employees a very attractive asset to companies! Being able to speak to customers in their preferred language improves customer loyalty. Having Welsh speaking staff is good for creating a company’s public image. Offering a language choice is important to customers.

5. It’s a unique selling point - Tourist and hospitality industries throughout Europe are now realising the importance of offering unique experiences. Having two languages and a sense of Welsh history and culture puts Wales in a strong position.

6. It creates new opportunities - Research shows that employees with bilingual skills are more likely to earn a salary 8-10% higher than workers without bilingual skills. Many job adverts specify Welsh as desirable (or essential). Having an extra skill in the current job market will make you more attractive to employers. Being able to offer something additional can mean endless opportunities to succeed.

7. It opens new door - Even learning a few words can increase your sense of awareness of what is around you. Understanding the names of streets and place names in your area and the reasons behind them can be extremely interesting and can open new doors.

8. It leads to more - There is a growing European research tradition showing that bilinguals tend to be more attuned to languages, more linguistically prepared to learn a third language.

9. It gives you the best of both world - It provides the opportunity to experience two different cultures, two worlds of experience. It can help people to feel a sense of belonging to Wales. Radio Cymru, S4C and the Eisteddfod - as well as hosts of local and community events can be enjoyed without translation equipment and subtitles.

10.It gives you twice as much - For example, those interested in literature and history will have access to a literary tradition spanning 1,500 years! Those interested in music will be able to enjoy a greater understanding of Welsh pop and rock, folk, choir and hymn music.

11. It keeps your mind fit - There are cognitive benefits to being bilingual – Studies show that those with bilingual skills are more creative, more mentally agile, better able to organise information, and solve problems. Bilinguals have a slightly higher IQ. Bilingualism can make it easier to learn additional languages